Compiling Component Library data

The aPriori Wire Harness and PCBA Digital Factories come with an empty Component Library. To use the Digital Factories, you must populate the Component Library with data that is applicable to your installation. This Component Library maps the internal part numbers that your company uses on approved parts list for Wire Harness or PCBA to manufacturer and supplier part numbers. The Component Library can also contain information about the cost, source, physical attributes (for example, pin count or mount type), or life cycle status of the component.

There are several methods that you can use to compile the data. The best method for your installation depends on whether your company already maintains the required component data and if your company has a process in place for acquiring that data. If:

• Your company maintains the required information: Format and import the data into aPriori.
• Your company maintains an approved parts list only and has a preferred method of acquiring the corresponding manufacturer data, supplier data, and pricing information for individual components – First, compile the data using your company's preferred process. Then, format and import the data into aPriori.
• Your company maintains an approved parts list only and does not have any preferred or established process for acquiring corresponding manufacturer data, supplier data, and pricing information for individual components – In this case, First, work with a third-party component data provider to acquire real-time pricing and availability information from a wide range of different suppliers. Then, compile the data using your company's preferred process. Finally, format and import the data into aPriori.

Note:

This initial set-up procedure needs to be done only once. You can periodically revisit this procedure to update your information as needed. If you are not sure whether or not you need to go through this procedure, contact your Professional Services representative.

Data in the BOM file is used only for costing a specific scenario and is not pushed to the component library. If the BOM file contains all of the data that is required for costing a PCBA, you do not have to compile a component library for that PCBA. You can extract data for the BOM file from a number of sources, including aPriori’s Electronics Data Collection interface, which integrates with SiliconExpert.

Your company provides or compiles the data

If your company already has (or will compile) data that cross-references its approved parts list to manufacturer or supplier part numbers and other information like costs and availability, you need to format that data in a table format that can be imported into Microsoft Excel (which aPriori uses to import and export Component Library data). Use the same general formatting rules that are used to update aPriori Component Library data, as described in Updating the Component Library lookup tables.

Using a third-party to compile the data

Third party’s component data providers can provide real-time pricing and availability information from a wide range of different suppliers. You then upload your Wire Harness or PCBA data (consisting of your approved parts list and their corresponding manufacturer and manufacturer part numbers) so that the third-party can return costing information that you then use to populate or update your aPriori Component Library.

Note:

In general, you should use the documentation provided by the third-party and/or aPriori Professional Services.  However, the general example below based on one third-party gives you an idea of what to expect. Further note that you will need to map third-party and aPriori terminology to each other.

1. Whenever your company adds new part numbers, log into the third-party application and create/add new components. This typically involves entering the name of your Wire Harness or PCBA and a version number.

2. Upload your company data. You need to prepare a ".csv" file which is based on your company-approved parts list and which at a minimum contains columns for:

   • Base Component Part Number Attribute (internal part number)

   • Manufacturer Component Name Attribute

   • Manufacturer Component Part Number Attribute

     Depending on the third party, you may be able to do things like create a Bill of Materials on import, by adding an additional copy of the Base Component Part Number Attribute for use as the Designator Attribute. You may also specify the Quantity Attribute for each part number. You may also add an extra column to designate the Class for new component parts in the third party. aPriori uses this attribute to define the name of the customer for which the particular database is set up. If no column is added, you have the option to allow for empty class attributes and designate a default value.

     When the .csv file is prepared, upload it to the third party.

3. Map the fields from the spreadsheet to the third-party fields.

   Note:

   aPriori terms may differ from third party terms. For example, in aPriori terms, a “"Class" is a high-level attribute that designates the Wire Harness component type. Terminals” and “Connectors” are examples of aPriori Wire Harness “Classes” Some data providers, however, use the "Class" attribute to designate the customer’s name.

4. Complete the import.

5. Search, add, and confirm supplier parts.

   Note:

   You will need to repeat this periodically to update costing data.

   Depending on the third party and your requirements, you may need to perform other steps such as updating lifecycle status, syncing components, etc.

6. Obtain pricing Information.

7. Export and format component data for import into aPriori, typically through an Export to CSV operation. Give it a descriptive name like “aPriori Component Library WH.csv”